2006
Pontiac Vibe

Starts at:
$16,430
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr HB FWD
    Starts at
    $16,430
    29 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB AWD
    Starts at
    $19,430
    26 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB FWD GT
    Starts at
    $20,105
    25 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe 2006 Pontiac Vibe

Notable features

Sport wagon body style
Manual or automatic
Youthful orientation
Available AWD

The good & the bad

The good

Performance of GT
Kinship to Toyota Matrix
Optional side-curtain airbags
Available StabiliTrak stability system

The bad

Instrument layout
Engine noise
See all specifications

Expert 2006 Pontiac Vibe review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Pontiac launched its entry-level Vibe hatchback wagon as an early 2003 model. Styled by Pontiac and engineered by Toyota, the Vibe is produced at a Toyota/General Motors joint-venture facility in Fremont, Calif. Pontiac’s Vibe is related to the Toyota Matrix.

Like other small crossover models, the Vibe combines some features of a sports car, a sport wagon and a sport utility vehicle. That sounds like a lot of sportiness, and the Vibe leans in that direction because Pontiac has long been positioned as the sportiest member of the GM divisions.

For 2006, a stereo system with MP3 playback capability and a Sport Package that includes a premium monotone appearance group are available. Security and Premium Packages also are offered. A Sun and Sound Package, which includes a sunroof and Monsoon sound system, replaces last year’s Moon and Tunes Value Package.

Designed to target youthful buyers, the Vibe comes with front- or all-wheel drive. A tire-pressure-monitoring system is standard on GT and all-wheel-drive models, and GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability system is available. GM’s OnStar communication system is optional.

Exterior
Exhibiting a sleek wedge profile and short overhangs, the Vibe displays basic styling cues that suggest an SUV. A slight resemblance to the company’s controversial and now-defunct Aztek may be noted, but the Vibe is considerably less radical.

Tapering side window lines are reminiscent of the Ford Focus Wagon. The distinctive roofline has an integrated roof rack. Bold features include a vented front fascia with a twin-port grille and recessed fog lamps.

The Vibe measures 171.9 inches long, stands 62.2 inches tall and has a 102.4-inch wheelbase. Standard wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, but 17-inch wheels are available. All-wheel-drive Vibes have an independent rear suspension.

Interior
The Vibe can seat five occupants; it was developed to yield a spacious interior within a compact frame. Both the front passenger seat and the 60/40-split rear seat fold flat, creating a level load floor for cargo up to 8 feet long. When the backseat is folded down, cargo space behind the front row totals 54.1 cubic feet. Leather seating surfaces are optional.

Chrome-trimmed gauges in the driver-oriented cockpit feature the traditional red Pontiac backlighting. Chrome tie-downs are installed, and a CD player is standard. An in-dash six-CD changer and XM Satellite Radio are optional.

Under the Hood
The base 126-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder teams with a standard five-speed-manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. With all-wheel drive, that engine produces 118 hp and works only with the automatic. The Vibe GT holds a 164-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder that teams only with a six-speed-manual gearbox. Premium fuel is recommended for the GT. For extra performance, a dealer-installed supercharger has been available for the base model.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on all-wheel-drive and GT models and optional on the base front-drive Vibe. The Vibe GT gets all-disc brakes, while other models use a front-disc/rear-drum setup. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags are optional.

2006 Pontiac Vibe review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Pontiac launched its entry-level Vibe hatchback wagon as an early 2003 model. Styled by Pontiac and engineered by Toyota, the Vibe is produced at a Toyota/General Motors joint-venture facility in Fremont, Calif. Pontiac’s Vibe is related to the Toyota Matrix.

Like other small crossover models, the Vibe combines some features of a sports car, a sport wagon and a sport utility vehicle. That sounds like a lot of sportiness, and the Vibe leans in that direction because Pontiac has long been positioned as the sportiest member of the GM divisions.

For 2006, a stereo system with MP3 playback capability and a Sport Package that includes a premium monotone appearance group are available. Security and Premium Packages also are offered. A Sun and Sound Package, which includes a sunroof and Monsoon sound system, replaces last year’s Moon and Tunes Value Package.

Designed to target youthful buyers, the Vibe comes with front- or all-wheel drive. A tire-pressure-monitoring system is standard on GT and all-wheel-drive models, and GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability system is available. GM’s OnStar communication system is optional.

Exterior
Exhibiting a sleek wedge profile and short overhangs, the Vibe displays basic styling cues that suggest an SUV. A slight resemblance to the company’s controversial and now-defunct Aztek may be noted, but the Vibe is considerably less radical.

Tapering side window lines are reminiscent of the Ford Focus Wagon. The distinctive roofline has an integrated roof rack. Bold features include a vented front fascia with a twin-port grille and recessed fog lamps.

The Vibe measures 171.9 inches long, stands 62.2 inches tall and has a 102.4-inch wheelbase. Standard wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, but 17-inch wheels are available. All-wheel-drive Vibes have an independent rear suspension.

Interior
The Vibe can seat five occupants; it was developed to yield a spacious interior within a compact frame. Both the front passenger seat and the 60/40-split rear seat fold flat, creating a level load floor for cargo up to 8 feet long. When the backseat is folded down, cargo space behind the front row totals 54.1 cubic feet. Leather seating surfaces are optional.

Chrome-trimmed gauges in the driver-oriented cockpit feature the traditional red Pontiac backlighting. Chrome tie-downs are installed, and a CD player is standard. An in-dash six-CD changer and XM Satellite Radio are optional.

Under the Hood
The base 126-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder teams with a standard five-speed-manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. With all-wheel drive, that engine produces 118 hp and works only with the automatic. The Vibe GT holds a 164-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder that teams only with a six-speed-manual gearbox. Premium fuel is recommended for the GT. For extra performance, a dealer-installed supercharger has been available for the base model.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on all-wheel-drive and GT models and optional on the base front-drive Vibe. The Vibe GT gets all-disc brakes, while other models use a front-disc/rear-drum setup. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags are optional.

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Safety review

Based on the 2006 Pontiac Vibe base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

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Consumer reviews

93% of drivers recommend this car
4.6 / 5
Based on 48 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.2
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • By Bison from Jackson, Ms
    Owns this car
    April 24, 2023

    Best, most trouble free vehicle I’ve ever owned

    Bought a 2006 Pontiac Vibe fwd, automatic new. It has ~ 350,000 miles on it (speedometer will only register 299999 miles). We keep up with the miles using the trip odometer. Have maintained consistent and regular 3,000 mile interval oil changes. Engine uses NO OIL (Valvoline 5w30) and tranny has given no problems. Replaced valve cover gasket & O2 sensor at ~ 330,000 miles; struts @ ~ 340,000 miles (yes, they were overdue!). Needs catalytic converter. Nose of hood is a rock magnet (the car has never been wrecked or had any body repairs or paint). Paint is beginning to show its age (I hate base coat/clear coat; give me acrylic enamel any day). Headlight lense covers are weathering (originals). Have replaced fog lights a couple of times (road debris takes them out). All accessories - power windows, door locks, AC, electronics, lights - work. It is still our daily driver plus it does double duty as our towed vehicle behind our motorhome. As such, I’ve taken it places in the mountains on steep (and I mean STEEP), narrow loose rock roads (most recently in Big Bend National Park and surrounding areas). To sum it up, if they were still made, I’d buy a new one today. One solid, reliable car. If I could improve it, I would add more ground clearance and selective four wheel drive with a conventional transfer case so I could flat tow it behind my motorhome. (As for use, we use it for “commuting, transporting family, and having fun”; can’t pick just one).
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ky Walker from Lenoir, NC
    Owns this car
    March 27, 2023

    A Car That Keeps You Safe

    I was in a wreck and had I not been in this absolute tank of a car, I would not be here today. I love this car with all of my heart; I have a 2006 Pontiac Vibe and despite the wreck, it runs like a dream. It has over 200k miles on it and I drive it up a mountain nearly daily. It is my first car and I have never had any problems with it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Charles from Pennington Gap, VA
    Owns this car
    October 27, 2022

    Most reliable car on the planet

    Stealthy Toyota Matrix. This car has Toyota Matrix/Corolla guts. The 1.8 VVT motor is good for 300K miles. The 4 speed automatic is really a 5 speed. Top overdrive gear has a direct drive locking feature that kicks in on flat terrain. Mine has AWD and I have gotten 36 MPG on long easy trips. I seldom get less than 30MPG on a tankful. Front seats are comfy. Rear seats will fit 3 average adults. Sporty handling, good brakes, good visibility, solid and reliable. My one and only complaint is it’s a bit noisy.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Golean from Abuja Nigeria
    Used to own this car
    April 7, 2021

    Best car ever

    The car was an all time best value for both money and time. Coming for someone in west African country Abuja Nigeria. With the bad road network my vibe 2006 with stood all pot holes and gallops you can find. And I will go for it again if I get a second chance. It’s highly recommended for both ladies and gents. Very economical.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Smilelynm from Boise Id
    Used to own this car
    March 18, 2021

    The best vehicle I've ever owned!

    I bought this car used and it never failed me. I have put almost 300,000 miles on it and stayed up to date on everything oil changes, tires, etc... The only expensive thing I had to get fixed was some issues with my tires but that was because of whoever put them on messed up with the lugnuts bad. I have taken this vehicle up mountain roads that were beyond sketchy. I do not recommended doing that but the little pontiac did handle it well for anyone wondering.. If you are looking for reliable, this is your car. I will forever recommended this to anyone. I also find it super comfortable. I have a son and it fit the carseat just fine for me. I am short though so if you're tall and have to push the seat back it's not ideal for a carseat to be behind you. This car is all wheel drive which has its benefits but it also has cons. When I popped a tire they had to replace all 4 tires, because they said it would offset it if I didn't, since it was all wheel drive. But if you find a reliable mechanic none of the things I got fixed on this vehicle ever exceeded $1000. I think my highest bill was maybe $400. I hope this helps 😊
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Zax from Ottawa Canada
    Owns this car
    February 18, 2021

    Reliable

    Very Reliable vehicle, outside of Tires, brakes and batteries have not had any repairs. Very practical small vehicle, with adequate cargo space for such a small car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Youngguyy from Minneapolis, mn
    Owns this car
    July 17, 2020

    Rides well, gas usage great

    General maintenance and careful driving can get you and this car go a long way without problems. Can charge 2 devices inside, sunroof nice during summer, cruise control nice
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Chick3nScr4tch from Rupert, ID
    Owns this car
    June 18, 2020

    Best car I could ever have!

    Got mine in 2016 at 128K miles, now has 193K and still going strong! This car has taken me across the country and back several times over. At the beginning of my career I had to move several times chasing seasonal jobs before I landed a long-term position. Now that I have more time staying in one place I take it on a lot of weekend adventures to nearby natural areas, although it doesn't have high enough clearance to handle much more than an well-maintained gravel road and has a little trouble getting up long hills at highway speed. I absolutely adore the sporty look of the exterior and the way the back seats fold down flush with the rest of the cargo space; whether moving cross-country or buying a piece of furniture, it makes hauling a breeze. I'm 5'9" and can sleep solo diagonally in the back with the seats folded down and was able to squeeze three in the back on one occasion. The hatch glass makes it possible to haul longer things like 10' boards and possibly even a sit-on-top kayak if you choose not to put it up on the rack. I haven't bought any cargo accessories for the rack, so I couldn't say how sturdy it is, although it appears insubstantial enough that I wouldn't trust it with something big on top. I've seen other Vibe owners use the rack, but it looks less practical and more like a stylish afterthought.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Deeshopwise from Erie pa
    Owns this car
    November 30, 2018

    This car meets our needs

    Runs well appearance is acceptable this my husband favorite color I would recommend this car to anyone the reliablity is wonderful. The car is roomy and able to hold our large dog comfortably
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By jsm4077th from Reidsville,nc
    Owns this car
    April 10, 2018

    Has NEVER let me down

    this car gets great gas mileage and has never let me down. upkeep is cheap and the MPG is amazing. I have driven this car all over the eastern seaboard. If my family had stayed small i would never tried to sell it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Nance from Keene, NH
    Owns this car
    January 14, 2018

    Reliable. Great on gas. 36MPG

    I have loved this car for almost 12 years. I usually trade after 8-10 years. I did not want to give up this car. I would like to sell to someone who needs a reliable car to get to work or school.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By bchdwler from New Bern, NC
    Test drove this car
    December 30, 2017

    Totally suprised at the quality

    I think it will serve our need very well and for several years to come. I am very impressed with the quality of the car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 Pontiac Vibe?

The 2006 Pontiac Vibe is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • GT (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2006 Pontiac Vibe?

The 2006 Pontiac Vibe offers up to 29 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2006 Pontiac Vibe?

The 2006 Pontiac Vibe compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2006 Pontiac Vibe reliable?

The 2006 Pontiac Vibe has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 Pontiac Vibe owners.

Is the 2006 Pontiac Vibe a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 Pontiac Vibe. 93.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 48 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.8
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